{"id":41,"date":"2021-06-12T00:08:00","date_gmt":"2021-06-12T00:08:00","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/www.granddentalnaperville.com\/blog\/?p=41"},"modified":"2021-12-04T00:12:22","modified_gmt":"2021-12-04T00:12:22","slug":"thumb-sucking-in-naperville-consequences","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/www.granddentalnaperville.com\/blog\/2021\/06\/12\/thumb-sucking-in-naperville-consequences\/","title":{"rendered":"Thumb Sucking: Perfectly Normal or Dental Disaster Waiting to Happen?"},"content":{"rendered":"\n
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Thumb sucking is very common among children. Research indicates that between 70% and 90% of children engage in this behavior at some point in their lives. In some ways, it can be considered perfectly natural. However, this habit needs to be monitored very carefully, as past a certain point it can contribute to the development of various oral health issues. It\u2019s important for parents to be aware when thumb sucking in Naperville requires intervention.<\/p>\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n

When Is Thumb Sucking Normal?<\/h2>\n\n\n\n

Thumb sucking is still considered normal while a child is very young. In many cases, it\u2019s a source of comfort in much the same way they might cuddle with a stuffed animal or blanket. There\u2019s little risk of lasting harm in allowing thumb sucking to continue during the child\u2019s early years. Normally, the behavior will stop on its own between the ages of two and four. The habit is considered problematic if it lasts past age 5.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

What Issues are Associated with Thumb Sucking?<\/h2>\n\n\n\n

When thumb sucking is too intense or does not stop naturally, it can start to have a detrimental effect on the development of the child\u2019s mouth. One of the most common consequences is a misaligned bite; the teeth may grow in crooked or overcrowded, and the jaws may not fit together properly. In some cases, thumb sucking can push out the front teeth, resulting in an overbite that requires orthodontic care<\/a>. Even the child\u2019s speech can be affected if thumb sucking is prolonged, thus affecting the shape of the roof of the child\u2019s mouth.  <\/p>\n\n\n\n

How Can Parents Stop Thumb Sucking?<\/h2>\n\n\n\n

If a child does not give up thumb sucking on their own, intervention is typically required. Admonishing a child for the habit is not recommended. Some potential strategies for discouraging thumb sucking include:<\/p>\n\n\n\n